Sometimes advertising feels a bit like time travel, back to Life magazine features from the 1950s. Despite the social advances of the past six decades, turn on the TV or open a magazine and there’s mom testing the absorbency of paper towels on her daughter’s high chair, while dad tests out a new cable package on the sofa.

What would happen if we changed it up a little, putting Dad in the kitchen? His daughter might land a seat on the Supreme Court, according to one new study.

As we head into Father’s Day, several news stories — some sombre, some scientific — had us reflecting on the powerful role dads play in enforcing or challenging gender stereotypes.

Dad’s habits at home can wield some surprising influence. A new study reveals that a father’s involvement in housework can impact his daughter’s career choices. Psychologists at the University of British Columbia recently announced the results of a survey of 326 children, seven to 13 years old, and their parents.

Moms and dads were asked to estimate how much of the unpaid household chores each did every week. Children were asked about their career aspirations. Researchers found that mothers still perform the majority of the unpaid housework.

However, in homes where dad did an equal share of the housework, daughters were far more likely to think outside the bread box and imagine themselves in higher-paying professional jobs in medicine, law or the C-suite.

Given the example set by our dad, who did his fair share of the cooking and cleaning, had we been graced with a sister, she would probably be our boss.

The Fathers Empowering Daughters campaign kicked off June 9, inviting fathers and daughters to submit short videos via the Girls 20 website that feature stories of dads supporting their little girls with big ambitions. (Fotolia)

One institution for girls’ empowerment is recognizing dad’s role with a new campaign. Since the 2010 Toronto G20 Summit, the Girls 20 Summit — co-founded by the Belinda Stronach Foundation — has held an annual global forum in conjunction with the G20.

Girls from around the world are brought together to make their voices heard on issues such as girls’ education and economic opportunities for women. For Father’s Day, the Girls 20 Summit is letting dads get in on the act.

The Fathers Empowering Daughters campaign kicked off June 9, inviting fathers and daughters to submit short videos via the Girls 20 website that feature stories of dads supporting their little girls with big ambitions.

The videos will then be shared through social media. Canada’s Governor General, David Johnston, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and actor Kevin Bacon are taking part with their daughters. Two political heavyweights and the star of Footloose are sure to provide some diverse insights into parenting; it’s a great opportunity for dads everywhere to learn from each other.

It’s hard to imagine anything positive or inspiring emerging out of the horrific attack in California a few weeks ago. Six people were killed and 13 more injured by a man who blamed women for all his problems and swore vengeance on those who had rejected his romantic advances.

Following the attack, over one million women took to Twitter to share their stories of harassment and violence with the hashtag #YesAllWomen. Amid the tweets, which were weighted with a certain frustrated solidarity, one powerful response from a Massachusetts father leaped out at us.

Albert Dubreuil tweeted: “Started reading the #YesAllWomen tweets (because) I’ve got a daughter, but now I see I should be reading them (because) I’ve got two sons.”

It was a moving reminder that, in addition to supporting their daughters, dads — and grandfathers, uncles and big brothers — also wield great influence over their sons, the next generation of men, and their understanding of women’s issues.

In the discussion over modern gender roles in the home, one of the most significant roles fathers can play is often overlooked. For Father’s Day, let’s state this outright: dads are a force for women’s equality.

Brothers Craig and Marc Kielburger founded the educational partner and international charity Free The Children and the youth empowerment movement We Day.

Marc Kielburger:
Marc is one of the world’s leading figures in corporate social responsibility, social activism and youth empowerment. A Harvard and Oxford graduate, Rhodes Scholar, and international ... read morebestselling author, Marc is also co-founder of Free The Children and We Day.
Craig Kielburger:
A humanitarian, social activist and best-selling author, Craig has inspired a generation of young people to be active global change makers as co-founder of Free The Children and We Day. Craig has received national and international recognition, including The Roosevelt Freedom Medal, and is one of the youngest recipients of The Order of Canada.View author's profile